How Successful is In Vitro Fertilization?
In vitro fertilization, also called IVF, is a medical process that combines a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg in a laboratory setting. The fertilized eggs are then transferred into the woman’s uterus, where they are left to develop over the next nine months. IVF is a popular solution for infertile couples, but how successful is it?
There are two ways to measure the success of in vitro fertilization treatments. The first is to measure the number of IVF procedures that result in a pregnancy. In the United States and Canada, the pregnancy rate for IVF is approximately 35%.
Unfortunately, every pregnancy does not result in a live birth. In 2006, Canadian doctors reported a 27% live birth rate for all IVF procedures in that country. In the U.S., live birth rates are broken down into age groups. The most current statistics list a live birth rate of 30%-35% for mothers younger than 35; 25% for women ages 35-37; 15%-20% for women 30-40; and 6%-10% for women older than 40.
Age is definitely a factor in the success rate of IVF. The older the mother, the less likely it is that she will carry the pregnancy to term. The general health of the eggs and sperm play an important role as well. If there are defects in either, the doctor might recommend the use of donor sperm, donor eggs, or even donor embryos.
There has also been some controversy about the link between IVF and birth defects. In 2008, a study was published which showed an increase in instances of cleft palate, septal heart defects, and cleft lips in babies conceived through in vitro fertilization. The exact cause of these defects was not identified, and other studies have shown little or no increase in birth defects in IVF babies.
In vitro fertilization has allowed many couples to achieve their dream of parenthood. Consult your doctor to find out if IVF is the right infertility treatment choice for you.
